ODO Events

Universal Access in Airports

Universal Access in Airports (UAIA) provides a unique opportunity for dialogue among the various stakeholders in the aviation industry–airports, airlines, airline service companies, travelers, and suppliers. This two-day conference, held biennially by Open Doors Organization since 2006, offers an open exchange of ideas and best practice solutions on customer service and accessibility for air travelers with disabilities and aging adults.

Universal Access in Airports 2020

October 6-8, 2020 – Fort Worth, Texas

Early-Bird Registration Opening January 2020!

UAIA 2020 will be at Skyview 8, American Airlines’ new headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. Sponsorship and speaking opportunities available.

Contact Katy O’Reilly with questions – 773.388.8839 or Katy@opendoorsnfp.org

Past Events

Universal Access in Airports 2018

UAIA 2018, held Aug. 27-29 at the InterContinental Hotel MSP, was the most international to date with representatives from Austria, Canada, France, the UK, Switzerland and Japan.

UAIA 2018 Agenda: docx pdf

Presentations–August 28, 2018
(In alphabetical order)
Phil Burke, MSP, Part 1
Phil Burke, MSP, Part 2
Roberto Castiglioni, Heathrow Access Advisory Board
Seena Foster, TSA
Maegan Johnson, DOT
Heather Karch, SEA
Jonathan Klein, FAA
Sara Marchant, LGW, Pres. 1
William Neece, Ozion
Leon Patterson, Maryland Aviation Administration
Linda Ristagno, IATA
Alan Howell, MSP and Jens Vange, Alliiance

Presentations–August 29, 2018
(In alphabetical order)
Frank Ciaccio, Houston Airport System
Konrad Gruber, Bulmor
Katie Hench, Infiniteach
Anila Jivanji, American Airlines
Ruben Kazantsev, Antikythera, Part 1
Ruben Kazantsev, Antikythera, Part 2
Jason Luebke, AvTech
Sara Marchant, LGW, Pres. 2
Cathy Nyfors, YVR
Rasha Said, Sensible Innovations (Coming Soon)
Sonny Smith, Air Care Travelers (Coming Soon)
Greg Stilson, Aira
Satoshi Sugie, WHILL Inc.

Please contact Katy O’Reilly for presentations in an accessible format.

United logo
Presenting Sponsor

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ODO Airline Symposium 2018

Monday, August 27, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, MN
Open Doors Organization now holds its Airline Symposium biennially in conjunction with Universal Access in Airports. This invitation only, closed-door session allows air carriers—national, regional and international—to discuss problems and share best practices regarding services and facilities for air travelers with disabilities.

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IATA Global Accessibility Symposium

The IATA Global Accessibility Symposium will take place on 05-06 November 2019 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The Symposium, kindly hosted by Emirates, will offer an unparalleled platform to debate with stakeholders and passengers how air transport can be a truly accessible and inclusive industry for passengers with disabilities.

In addition to the unique opportunity to look at some of the regulatory/policy approaches worldwide, the Symposium will also identify operational best practices and look at innovative technologies that will enable persons with disabilities to have access to a safe, reliable and dignified travel experience.

Don’t miss the chance to engage with leaders, subject matter experts and outstanding speakers in the aviation industry and, of course, take advantage of some great networking opportunities!

View the agenda here

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